culmination

noun

ˌkəl-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce culmination (audio)
Definition of culminationnext
as in pinnacle
the highest part or point an acting performance that was seen as the culmination of a brilliant career on the stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun culmination differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of culmination are acme, apex, climax, peak, pinnacle, and summit. While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

When would acme be a good substitute for culmination?

The synonyms acme and culmination are sometimes interchangeable, but acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.

a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

Where would apex be a reasonable alternative to culmination?

The meanings of apex and culmination largely overlap; however, apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

When is it sensible to use climax instead of culmination?

The words climax and culmination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.

the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

When could peak be used to replace culmination?

The words peak and culmination can be used in similar contexts, but peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

When might pinnacle be a better fit than culmination?

Although the words pinnacle and culmination have much in common, pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

When can summit be used instead of culmination?

While in some cases nearly identical to culmination, summit implies the topmost level attainable.

at the summit of the Victorian social scene

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of culmination Made with 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon from the volcanic soils of Montagna Vineyard on Pritchard Hill and crafted by Philippe Melka, Leonidas is the culmination of the Tsais’ three decades as top producers of small-lot, boutique Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 20 July 2025 The observations reflect peak DDT preservation more than dust devil formation, the researchers cautioned, but the culmination coincides with the peak observed by NASA's Spirit rover at Gusev crater, along with global observations of the sand spouts. —Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 16 July 2025 The classic bildungsroman usually hinges on at least one parent’s ambition for the child—so that, say, entry to Oxford becomes the triumphant culmination of their vicarious hopes. —James Wood, New Yorker, 14 July 2025 This coming year will be the culmination of our yearly gathering in Park City for the Sundance Film Festival. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for culmination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for culmination
  1. pinnacle
  2. zenith
  3. top
  4. height
  5. peak
  6. climax
  7. apex
Noun
  • If the war in Vietnam marked the pinnacle of war journalism, and AP had a legendary perch in that war, much of it was due to Faas.
    — Gary Knight, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The world tells of success as such a wonderful story, the pinnacle of happiness.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 30 July 2025
Definition of pinnacle
Noun
  • Not even the imaginary zenith of human civilization can overpower nature forever.
    — Devan Coggan, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Some shows in the U.S. later in the year might be about the zenith of anything that anybody ever imagined really.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2025
Definition of zenith
Noun
  • Ironically, island escapes are not at the top of it.
    — Marlise Kast-Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Netflix global top 10: Mandala Murders Directed by Gopi Putharan, Mandala Murders made its debut on Netflix on July 25.
    — Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Definition of top
Noun
  • Residents can check wave height predictions by viewing the NWS Great Lakes Portal, which updates wave heights, wind gusts and air temperature forecasts.
    — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 31 July 2025
  • Instead, tsunami warning centers forecast tsunamis based on the size and location of an earthquake that precedes it, as well as forecast models to estimate wave height, location, and arrival times once a tsunami is already detected.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 30 July 2025
Definition of height
Noun
  • The project’s peak cost was estimated to be over $60 million for the first phase.
    — Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
  • What time will the August full moon peak in Nashville?
    — Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025
Definition of peak
Noun
  • The climax of the match arrived in the 88th minute when Jennifer Echegini rose above the defenders to head home the winning goal, completing a remarkable comeback.
    — Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
  • Toward the film's climax, Clover confronts the wendigo version of her sister one last time.
    — Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of climax
Noun
  • At the apex of the civil-rights movement—after the assassination of John F. Kennedy but before that of Martin Luther King, Jr.—it was clear that legal equality, though hard-won, would not be enough.
    — Idrees Kahloon, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
  • Though Drake was listed as the apex of the experience, Lauryn Hill and Vybz Kartel ensured that fans walked away with memories that would last a lifetime.
    — Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of apex

Browse Nearby Words

culminating
culmination
culminations
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Cite this Entry

“Culmination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culmination. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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